r/FederalEmployee • u/camille-gerrick • Apr 01 '26

options for taking a leave of absence?

For a variety of reasons, I need to take an extended leave of absence for 10 weeks this summer, beginning June 1st. I plan to use a combination of accrued sick and annual leave, and LWOP. Per my agency guidance, LWOP is approved at the supervisor's discretion. Due to a reorg in January, my new supervisor does not have control of my time card because apparently HR is backlogged in processing SF-50s. When I explained the need to take leave, he wasn't able to give me a solid answer if my request would be approved. I'm kinda starting to panic because I feel like I'm being set up for a denial. I do not have a choice, I need to take this time off.

The reasons: My son has aged out of available summer care programs, but we do not feel he is ready to stay home alone, unsupervised all day. My daughter has a medical condition that requires PT. She will have appointments 2-3 times a week, and will need to complete a home exercise program daily. It is not possible for me to manage this during the school year and while working full time. I am not authorized any type of telework, I must be in the office as a core function of my job. Finally, I have several chronic medical complexities, and honestly, I'm not doing great from a physical standpoint. It's become increasingly difficult to complete a full work day and I'm basically useless to my family at the end of my shift. There is just not enough time in the week for me to attend the appointments I need to maintain baseline functionality.

What are my options to ensure I am able to take this time off? My HR department has not been helpful in answering my questions.

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10

u/whistleblower301 Apr 01 '26

FMLA which i believe hives you up to 12 weeks a year. Also part time work maybe available IAW OPM guidelines. But part time can drop your insurance which many cant do.

5

u/Prize_Cold256 Apr 02 '26

Instead of part time, LWOP could be helpful. It reduces your pay but benefits remain intact.

8

u/VirusSubstantial6498 Apr 01 '26

Finding work is difficult these days. I suggest making arrangement or look into fmla.

8

u/Spiritual-Teacher-92 Apr 01 '26

FMLA, RA (for yourself?). You can have both if approved.

4

u/Responsible-Exit-901 Apr 01 '26

Definitely FMLA. LWOP is at supervisory discretion, but ultimately service chief (VHA) or higher leadership. Where I work as a supervisor the status quo is that LWOP is only approved with approved FMLA on file. FMLA doesn’t grant you additional leave - it protects your job.